YOUR RATES EXPLAINED

What are rates?

Local Government rates are an annual payment received from all property owners within the Shire of Exmouth.

Your rates contribute to many community services and infrastructure, such as:

  • Infrastructure and Property Services: local roads, bridges, footpaths, drainage, airport, heliport, waste collection and management.
  • Provision of Recreation Facilities: parks, playgrounds & ovals, swimming pool, recreation centre, Town Hall.
  • Health Services: water and food inspection, toilet facilities, noise control and animal control.
  • Community Services: community development, community group/event sponsorship.
  • Planning and Building Services
  • Administration of Facilities: cemeteries, public parking.
  • Cultural Facilities and Services: library, tourist information service and Ningaloo Aquarium & Discovery Centre

How rates are calculated

Each property is issued a Gross Rental Value (GRV) or Unimproved Valve (UV) based on the location and zoning of the property. This valuation is provided to the Shire by Landgate’s Valuer General Office. It should be noted the Shire has no say in how your property is valued.

To calculate your general rates, you will need to times the GRV or UV amount by the rate in the dollar which is set each year by the Shire of Exmouth.

Please see calculation example below:

              General Rate (GRV) $19,500 x 0.085534 = General rates $ 1,667.91

              General rate (UV) $400,000 x 0.005188 = General rates $ 2,075.20

Each year the Shire imposes a minimum payment per rate assessment. If the calculation of the GRV or UV by the rate in the dollar results in an amount less than the minimum charge, then the minimum charge will be applied.

For more information guidance on property valuation, visit the Landgate website.

Appealing your rates

A property owner may lodge an objection against the valuation of a property within 60 days from the date of issue of a rate notice.

For information on how to lodge an objection, please visit Landgate’s website or call Landgate Customer Service on +61 (08) 9273 7373.

Please note Section 6.81 of the Local Government Act 1995 states that rate assessments are required to be paid, irrespective of whether an objection or appeal has been lodged. In the event of a successful objection or appeal, the rates will be adjusted, and you will be advised accordingly. Credit balances may be refunded on request.

Exemptions

As per Section 6.26 of the Local Government Act 1995, some organisations may be eligible to apply for a rates exemption. Such as:

  • Charitable organisations
  • Religious bodies
  • Government agencies.

If you would like to apply, please contact us.

Rates must be paid as per the rate notice until such time as a decision has been reached. All balances outstanding will accrue penalty interest.

Other charges: Emergency Service Levy (ESL)

The ESL levy is charged to all property owners in Western Australia to fund fire and emergency services. The Shire is required to collect this levy for the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). Find out more about the Emergency Services Levy on the DFES website.